At the Feed Store

May 15, 2026

Ep. 14 - Chicken Feed in 2026

April 16, 2026

Ep. 13 - Diamond V: How Postbiotic Yeast Culture Supports Gut Health, Immunity & Performance in Beef Cattle

<p><span data-sheets-root="1">In this episode, Erica from Feeders Grain sits down with a technical representative from Diamond V, an 85-year-old feed ingredient company out of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to break down what this product actually is, how it works, and why it's been a staple in livestock nutrition for decades.<br /> The guest clears up one of the biggest misconceptions right away: Diamond V is not a yeast — it's a postbiotic, produced through a controlled fermentation process that generates stable metabolites designed to support gut health and immunity from the inside out.<br /> From feedlot steers to cow-calf operations, this conversation digs into real-world applications and the research backing them up, including a peer-reviewed meta-analysis of 20 feedlot studies and immune challenge research tied to their newest product, NatureSafe.<br /> They also cover the topics every producer needs to hear:<br /> <br /> The difference between prebiotics, probiotics, and postbiotics and why it matters when choosing a product<br /> How gut health directly drives feed efficiency, gain, and profitability<br /> Why a sick animal that backs off feed can derail your entire performance margin<br /> The critical role of colostrum quality in calf survival and getting the next generation off on the right foot<br /> How Diamond V fits into every stage of a cow's production cycle, from calving through breeding season<br /> Why the data has to be convincing and robust before a producer can justify the cost, and how Diamond V's 150+ peer-reviewed studies back that up<br /> <br /> Whether you're running a feedlot, a cow-calf operation, or raising direct-to-consumer beef, this episode breaks down a practical, research-backed tool that supports animal health, reduces reliance on medication, and helps protect your bottom line.</span></p> <p><span data-sheets-root="1"><span data-sheets-root="1">Diamond V - <a class="in-cell-link" href="https://diamondv.com/" target= "_blank" rel="noopener">https://diamondv.com/</a></span></span></p>

March 31, 2026

Ep. 12 - Farm Wealth: Insights with Mary Jo Irmen of Farming Without the Bank

<p><span data-sheets-root="1">In this episode, Erica from Feeders Grain sits down with Mary Jo Irmen, author of Farming Without the Bank, to explore a powerful financial strategy that's changing how farmers manage money, debt, and succession planning.<br /> <br /> Mary Jo explains the Infinite Banking Concept—a system that uses dividend-paying whole life insurance as a financial tool to create your own "bank," giving you control over operating capital, investments, and long-term wealth.<br /> <br /> From funding cattle purchases and covering operating expenses to navigating estate planning and preserving generational farms, this conversation dives into real-world applications farmers are using today.<br /> <br /> They also tackle tough but critical topics like:<br /> <br /> Why traditional banking can limit farm growth<br /> How to reduce dependency on operating loans<br /> The role of life insurance in estate planning and generational wealth<br /> The harsh reality of "fair vs. equal" in farm succession<br /> How poor planning is causing farms to be lost—not lack of work ethic<br /> <br /> Whether you're just starting out or planning for the next generation, this episode highlights a practical tool that can help you take control of your finances and protect your legacy.</span></p> <p><span data-sheets-root="1">Mary Jo's website: https://www.farmingwithoutthebank.com/</span></p>